Alejandro Ingelmo Is Perfectly Capable of Walking in the Super-High Heels He Designs

Alejandro Ingelmo is a busy man this week, serving up sexy heels for the likes of Cushnie et Ochs, Chris Benz, and Kimberly Ovitz on top of presenting his spring 2011 collection in his store today. True to form, it was vertigo-inducing slinky heel on top of slinky heel, but don't call him out of touch: Ingelmo knows firsthand how it feels to walk in his shoes. "I've tried them on once before when an ex-girlfriend dared me — I didn't make it too far," he admits. His latest collection is bursting with sky-high platforms, but there's also a smattering of wedges and even a few flat sandals. The collection takes inspiration from Brutalist architecture, a movement known for its angular shapes in shades of gray and nude. Those same muted tones and clean lines carried over to the men's collection as well, with new colorways of his classic Tron sneaker. There are also casual oxfords and wingtip desert boots, created with a leather that's similar to a distressed suede when brushed.

Though he's keeping his options open, don't expect any mass-retailer collaborations from Ingelmo just yet — or kitten heels. "I'm black or white," he says. "You either do the heel or you do the flat. That whole in between, it doesn't really say anything. I think it's so important for accessories to say something." Check out his statement-making shoes in the slideshow.